U.S. patent application number 14/437763 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for system, method and computer program product for a rug plot for geosteering applications.
The applicant listed for this patent is LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Bronwyn Michaell Calleja, Paul Blair Johnson.
Application Number | 20150292266 14/437763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50731557 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150292266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Paul Blair ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR A RUG PLOT FOR
GEOSTEERING APPLICATIONS
Abstract
A system utilized to geosteer a downhole assembly provides a
real-time, 3-Dimensional ("3D") visualization of the downhole
assembly and surrounding formation as it moves through the
formation. The 3D visualization, or model, may be updated in
real-time and may display real-time data related to various
downhole conditions and geologic characteristics.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Paul Blair;
(Houston, TX) ; Calleja; Bronwyn Michaell;
(Balikpapan, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50731557 |
Appl. No.: |
14/437763 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 13, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/64777 |
371 Date: |
April 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/24 ;
700/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 13/04 20130101;
E21B 7/04 20130101; G01V 99/005 20130101; E21B 7/06 20130101; E21B
41/0092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/06 20060101
E21B007/06; E21B 41/00 20060101 E21B041/00; G05B 13/04 20060101
G05B013/04; G01V 99/00 20060101 G01V099/00 |
Claims
1. A method to geosteer a downhole assembly, the method comprising:
analyzing data related to a geological formation; generating a
geological model based upon the data related to the geological
formation; generating a first plot which reflects a left and right
orientation along a True Vertical Depth ("TVD") slice within the
geological model; and geosteering the downhole assembly using the
first plot.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising: generating a
second plot which reflects an up and down orientation along the TVD
slice within the geological model; and geosteering the downhole
assembly using the first and second plots.
3. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising updating the
geological model in real-time based upon at least one of: data
received from the downhole assembly during a downhole operation; or
data received from one or more offset wells.
4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising updating a
distance to bed boundary based upon data received from the downhole
assembly during a downhole operation.
5. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising determining
an optimal well path along the left and right orientation of the
TVD slice based upon real-time data received from the downhole
assembly.
6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein generating the first
plot further comprises utilizing a well path as the TVD slice
within the geological model.
7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein geosteering the downhole
assembly comprises geosteering a drilling assembly.
8. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising utilizing a
variable TVD slice as the TVD slice.
9. A system comprising processing circuitry utilized to geosteer a
downhole assembly, the processing circuitry performing the method
comprising: analyzing data related to a geological formation;
generating a geological model based upon the data; and generating a
first plot which reflects a left and right orientation along a True
Vertical Depth ("TVD") slice within the geological model, wherein
the downhole assembly may be geosteered using the first plot.
10. A system as defined in claim 9, further comprising generating a
second plot which reflects an up and down orientation along the TVD
slice within the geological model, wherein the downhole assembly
may be geosteered using the first and second plots.
11. A system as defined in claim 9, further comprising updating the
geological model in real-time based upon at least one of: data
received from the downhole assembly during a downhole operation; or
data received from one or more offset wells.
12. A system as defined in claim 9, further comprising updating a
distance to bed boundary based upon data received from the downhole
assembly during a downhole operation.
13. A system as defined in claim 9, further comprising determining
an optimal well path along the left and right orientation of the
TVD slice based upon real-time data received from the downhole
assembly.
14. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein generating the first
plot further comprises utilizing a well path as the TVD slice
within the geological model.
15. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the downhole assembly
is a drilling assembly.
16. A system as defined in claim 9, further comprising utilizing a
variable TVD slice as the TVD slice.
17. A computer program product comprising instructions utilized to
geosteer a downhole assembly, the instructions which, when executed
by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform a method
comprising: analyzing data related to a geological formation;
generating a geological model based upon the data related to the
geological formation; and generating a first plot which reflects a
left and right orientation along a True Vertical Depth ("TVD")
slice within the geological model, wherein the downhole assembly
may be geosteered using the first plot.
18. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, further
comprising generating a second plot which reflects an up and down
orientation along the TVD slice within the geological model,
wherein the downhole assembly may be geosteered using the first and
second plots.
19. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, further
comprising updating the geological model in real-time based upon at
least one of: data received from the downhole assembly during a
downhole operation; or data received from one or more offset
wells.
20. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, further
comprising updating a distance to bed boundary based upon data
received from the downhole assembly during a downhole
operation.
21. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, further
comprising determining an optimal well path along the left and
right orientation of the TVD slice based upon real-time data
received from the downhole assembly.
22. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, wherein
generating the first plot further comprises utilizing a well path
as the TVD slice within the geological model.
23. A computer program product as defined in claim 17, wherein the
downhole assembly is a drilling assembly.
24. A method to geosteer a downhole assembly, the method
comprising: modeling a rug plot that reflects a left and right
orientation along a True Vertical Depth ("TVD") slice; and
geosteering the downhole assembly using the rug plot.
25. A method as defined in claim 24, wherein modeling the rug plot
further comprises modeling a curtain plot that reflects an up and
down orientation along the TVD slice, wherein the downhole assembly
is geosteered using the rug and curtain plots.
26. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising updating
the rug plot in real-time based upon at least one of: data received
from the downhole assembly; or data received from one or more
offset wells.
27. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising updating a
distance to bed boundary based upon data received from the downhole
assembly during a downhole operation.
28. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising utilizing a
variable TVD slice as the TVD slice.
29. A method as defined in claim 24, wherein generating the rug
plot further comprises utilizing a well path as the TVD slice
within the geological model.
30. A method as defined in claim 24, wherein geosteering the
downhole assembly comprises geosteering a drilling assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to geosteering in
hydrocarbon reservoirs and, more specifically, to a geosteering
system that provides real-time, 3-Dimensional ("3D") modeling of a
well path to optimize well placement.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, one of the challenges in drilling horizontal
wells for accurate well placement is that sedimentary depositional
environments are inherently complicated. Channel sands are one such
depositional environment which is typically very difficult to model
and view in three dimensions. To date, operators have been limited
to hand drawn pictures or curtain plots that only model along a
vertical plane showing the geology above and below a desired
area.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a geosteering
system that not only provides visualization above and below a
desired section of the wellbore, but also provides visualization to
the left and right of that section, thus providing a complete,
real-time, 3D visualization.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of rug plot visualization
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates a formation utilized to explain an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates a rug plot according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2C illustrates a curtain plot according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 3A is a rug plot workflow according to an exemplary
methodology of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3B is a plan view utilized in the workflow chart of
FIG. 3A;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a display showing a rug and curtain plot generated
by an exemplary embodiment of the rug plot visualization system of
the present invention;
[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate real-time editing of the
geological formation given a distance to bed boundary calculation
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a rug plot workflow according to another exemplary
methodology of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Illustrative embodiments and related methodologies of the
present invention are described below as they might be employed in
a 3D geosteering application that optimizes well placement. In the
interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation
or methodology are described in this specification. It will of
course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure. Further aspects and advantages of the various
embodiments and related methodologies of the invention will become
apparent from consideration of the following description and
drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of rug plot visualization
system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As will be described herein, exemplary embodiments of
rug plot visualization system 100 provides a platform in which to
visualize the left to right orientation of a near-horizontal
wellbore along a near-horizontal plane as the wellbore moves up and
down. However, those ordinarily skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure will also realize the embodiments
disclosed herein may also be applied to horizontal and
non-horizontal wellbores. Nevertheless, the "rug plot" provides a
display whereby the geology of the formation is virtually sliced
horizontally along a desired path such that the left to right
movement of the drill string is visualized in real-time. Also, as
will be described herein, the present invention provides
visualization of the up and down movement of the drill string along
the desired path (the well path, for example). As such, the ability
to geosteer in the left, right, up and down directions, as with
channel sands or along steeply dipping formations, is provided.
Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide
a full 3D horizontal and vertical visualization of the well
path.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, rug plot visualization system 100
includes at least one processor 102, a non-transitory,
computer-readable storage 104, transceiver/network communication
module 105, optional I/O devices 106, and an optional display 108
(e.g., user interface), all interconnected via a system bus 109.
Software instructions executable by the processor 102 for
implementing software instructions stored within rug plot
visualization application 110 in accordance with the exemplary
embodiments described herein, may be stored in storage 104 or some
other computer-readable medium.
[0016] Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, it will be
recognized that rug plot visualization system 100 may be connected
to one or more public and/or private networks via one or more
appropriate network connections. It will also be recognized that
the software instructions comprising rug plot visualization
application 110 may also be loaded into storage 104 from a CD-ROM
or other appropriate storage media via wired or wireless
methods.
[0017] Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention may be practiced with a variety of computer-system
configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable-consumer electronics,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Any number of
computer-systems and computer networks are acceptable for use with
the present invention. The invention may be practiced in
distributed-computing environments where tasks are performed by
remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed-computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote computer-storage media
including memory storage devices. The present invention may
therefore, be implemented in connection with various hardware,
software or a combination thereof in a computer system or other
processing system.
[0018] In certain exemplary embodiments, rug plot visualization
application 110 comprises multi-well module 114 and database module
112. Database module 112 provides robust data retrieval and
integration of historical and real-time well related data that
spans across all aspects of the well construction and completion
processes such as, for example, drilling, cementing, wireline
logging, well testing and stimulation. Moreover, such data may
include, for example, well trajectories, log data, surface data,
fault data, etc. The database (not shown) which stores this
information may reside within database module 112 or at a remote
location. An exemplary database platform is, for example, the
INSITE.RTM. software suite, commercially offered through
Halliburton Energy Services Inc. of Houston Tex. Those ordinarily
skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure realize
there are a variety of software platforms and associated systems to
retrieve, store and integrate the well related data, as described
herein.
[0019] Rug plot visualization application 110 utilizes multi-well
module 114 to interface with the data stored within database module
112. As such, multi-well module 114 provides, for example, the
ability to select data for a multi-well project, edit existing data
and/or create new data as necessary to interpret and implement the
3D well visualizations of the present invention. An exemplary
multi-well platform includes, for example, the MultiWell
functionality that forms part of the INSITE.RTM. software suite.
However, those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure realize other similar platforms may be
utilized.
[0020] Still referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, rug
plot visualization application 110 also performs the geological
interpretation and earth modeling functions of the present
invention that enable, for example, formation visualization,
pre-well studies, real-time geosteering and post-well
interpretations. To achieve this, as will be described herein, rug
plot visualization application 110 uploads the multi-well job data
from multi-well module 114 (via utilization of database module
112), performs various interpretational and forward modeling
operations on the data, and utilizes display 108 to provide desired
visualizations (for example, a rug plot) of the data. Exemplary
visualization applications include, for example, StrataSteer.RTM.
3D or DecisionSpace.RTM. Desktop Suite, the latter being
commercially available through Landmark Graphics Corporation of
Houston, Tex., the Assignee of the present invention. However,
those ordinarily skilled in the art realize there are a variety of
similar software platforms which may be utilized to perform these
functions of the present invention.
[0021] As previously stated, rug plot visualization system 100
provides a 3D visualization of a geologic formation and well
trajectory. The 3D visualization includes a rug plot, which models
a horizontal, left to right orientation of a variable True Vertical
Depth ("TVD") slice within the geological formation. In certain
exemplary embodiments, the selected TVD slice is chosen to
correspond to the trajectory of the well path. However, those
ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure
will realize the TVD slice can be selected to correspond to any
desired portion of the geological formation or well path.
Nevertheless, in addition, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention also model a "curtain plot," which is a vertical
visualization of the wellbore showing the up and down orientation
of the selected TVD slice within the geological formation.
Accordingly, the curtain plot in combination with the rug plot
provides a full 3D visualization of the selected TVD slice.
[0022] The exemplary earth model of FIG. 2A is provided for further
illustration and understanding of the curtain and rug plot concepts
of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, a formation
200 has been modeled that includes a well path 202 traversing
through a hydrocarbon channel 203. Although described herein as a
channel, the well path may be modeled along any desired portion of
the formation. A curtain plot 204 is illustrated as a vertical
slice along the left and right travel of well path 202, thus
showing the up and down orientation of well path 202 along
formation 200. Dotted line 205 represents the extrapolated path of
well path 202 in the vertical plane from the TVD of well path 202
in the earth model. A drilling cross section 206 is also
illustrated, which reflects a slice of formation 200 that is
perpendicular to the travel of well path 202. In addition to
curtain plot 204, a rug plot 208 is illustrated which represents a
horizontal variable TVD slice 209 of formation 200 along the up and
down travel of well path 202, thus providing a visualization of the
left and right orientation of well path 202 along formation 200.
Dotted line 210 represents the extrapolated path of well path 202
in the horizontal plane from the TVD of well path 202 in the earth
model.
[0023] As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure, a TVD slice is a slice of
formation at a set TVD value such as, for example, 2000 meters True
Vertical Depth. As such, a variable TVD slice (for example, TVD
slice 209), as described in certain exemplary embodiments, is one
that is oriented along the well path, or other deviated path, such
that it includes multiple True Vertical Depths. For example, a
variable TVD slice might begin at 2000 mTVD, grade to 2050 mTVD,
before coming back up to 2010 mTVD.
[0024] Still referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, well
path 202 may be geosteered up and down in the TVD slice utilizing
curtain plot 204, with measured depth (or horizontal displacement
from the origin) of the well being defined along the horizontal
axis and the TVD being defined along the vertical axis. However, as
described herein, the present invention also provides a rug plot
visualization of more complex reservoirs that require the ability
to geosteer left and right, as with channel sands or along the
strike of steeply dipping formations.
[0025] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a rug
plot 208 and curtain plot 204, respectively. Referring to FIG. 2B,
rug plot 208 provides a modeled visualization of the left to right
movement of well path 202 along a desired TVD slice. In this
embodiment, the selected TVD slice corresponds to channel 203.
Also, in this exemplary embodiment, the center line for rug plot
208 is the closure line 214 (defines a depth along a vertical
section direction, as understood in the art). Rug plot 208 also
plots the TVD 212, which reflects that TVD 212 is increasing with
measured depth, so well path 202 reflects downward drilling in this
example. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of rug plot 208
essentially provides visualization of a variable TVD slice
including left to right orientation within a geological is model.
Again, the variable TVD slice can be taken along the well path or
any other desired trajectory within the geological model.
[0026] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of curtain plot
204 displayed. A plurality of heterogeneous formation layers A-D
are shown, along with channel 203, in addition to TVD 212. Curtain
plot 204 reflects the up and down movement of well path 202 along
channel 203. Accordingly, through modeling of curtain plot 204 and
rug plot 208, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
provide 3D visualization of the geology to assist in geosteering
and, thus, optimal placement of a wellbore.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3A, an exemplary methodology of the
present invention utilized to model a rug plot via a user interface
(for example, display 108 & I/O device 106) will now be
described. At block 302 of methodology 300, rug plot visualization
application 110 (via processor 102) loads the well data from
storage (local or remote) into database module 112. Here, the data
uploaded may include manually and automatically uploaded data.
Manual data may include, for example, data related to well location
and trajectories, as well as log data. Automatic data may include,
for example, data related to surface(s) and fault(s) along the
formation. At block 304, through utilization of multi-well module
114, rug plot visualization application 110 models a multi-well job
corresponding to the well data uploaded to database module 112 at
block 302.
[0028] At block 306, rug plot visualization application 110
initializes its 3D engine (not shown), and the multi-well job data
(surface(s), fault(s), wells, log data, etc., for example) is
uploaded into the engine at block 308. At block 310, rug plot
visualization application 110 sets up the displays which may be
user defined or automatically populated by rug plot visualization
application 110. Here, rug plot visualization application 110
creates a pseudo log at each measured depth location along the well
path and creates the geological section along the vertical plane of
the measured depth location. Exemplary display options include, for
example, a 3D map view (3D display using, for example, Easting,
Northing and TVDsubsea axes with surfaces, faults, well paths and
log data displayed accordingly), plan view, curtain plot, drilling
cross section (2D plot with TVD or TVDsubsea along the vertical
axis, with distance left and right of the well path along the
horizontal axis, the well path located in the middle of display),
and rug plot.
[0029] At block 312, rug plot visualization application 110 detects
that the "rug plot" option has been selected in this example. At
block 314, rug plot visualization application 110 then initializes
the "plan view," as shown in FIG. 3B, which reflects an azimuthal
visualization of well path 202 created in block 304. Here, the data
displayed includes well location and trajectories. In this
embodiment, the plan view is a 2D view with Easting as the
horizontal axis and Northing as the vertical axis, with Universal
Transverse Mercator data being utilized to plot trajectories and
well head locations. Thereafter, rug plot visualization application
110 awaits the definition of a section line 330 which represents
the section of well path 202 defining the variable TVD slice to be
model as the rug plot.
[0030] In order to define section line 330, rug plot visualization
application 110 may display an "add section line" button via
display 108 (block 316). At block 318, a first point at the heel of
well path (i.e., target well) 318 is selected via the user
interface and detected by rug plot visualization application 110.
At block 320, a second point at the toe of well path 202 is
selected via the user interface and detected by rug plot
visualization application 110. Section line 330 may be defined
along any section of the formation or well path such as, for
example, the closure line or a vertical defined section. Rug plot
visualization application 110 then displays the section line 330
and the azimuth of the section line. Although described herein as
first selecting the heel point followed by the toe point, such
selection is not required, as would be readily appreciated by those
ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0031] Thereafter, at block 322, the user is allowed to edit the
length and left and right thickness of the zone to be modeled and
visualized along section line 330 in the rug plot. To do so, one
side of section line 330 may be clicked and dragged as desired
until the desired thickness is reached, or some other suitable
method of thickening line 330 may be utilized. As a result, in
reference to FIG. 2B, the amount of the formation displayed in rug
plot left and right of channel 203 will be altered. Once the
thickness is determined, rug plot visualization application 110
awaits the selection of the "apply" button at block 324.
[0032] Once rug plot visualization application 110 detects the
"apply" signal, rug plot visualization application 110 then models
and displays the rug plot at block 326. In order to model the rug
plot at block 326, rug plot visualization application 110
represents the well path location within an X, Y, and Z plane. As
would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art having
the benefit of this disclosure, data libraries and co-locating
co-kriging algorithms are utilized to calculate log data values
along the length of the well path and the horizontal left/right
sides perpendicular to the well path. Utilizing this log data, rug
plot visualization application 110 can now generate the full 3D
visualization of the desired path. Thereafter, rug plot
visualization application 110 then displays the log data as pixels
and colors the log data according to some pre-defined log scale
(same log scale utilized in a curtain plot display, for example).
In certain exemplary embodiments, the rug plot may be displayed
below the curtain plot and utilize the same measured depth range
and scale as the curtain plot, thus providing a full 3D
visualization of the well path.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention whereby rug plot 208 is displayed below curtain
plot 204 on a display 108. In this embodiment, a well path 202 is
being drilled in real-time, with the drill bit being reflected as
the "X." As such, the portion of well path 202 behind the drill bit
X is the portion of well path 202 which has been drilled, while the
portion in front of drill bit X is the portion of well path 202
that has been modeled by rug plot visualization application 110 and
has yet to be drilled. As drill bit X (and thus the drilling
assembly) advances through channel 203, its trajectory will vary
left to right (as can be seen in rug plot 208) in relation to the
geological cross-section. At the same time, curtain plot 204
provides visualization of formation layers A and B above and below
well path 202, respectively, as well as drill bit X as it moves up
and down channel 203. Accordingly, through utilization of rug plot
208 and curtain plot 204, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provides a left to right and up and down visualization
(i.e., 3D visualization) of drill bit in real-time.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 4, rug plot visualization
application 110 also models a series of targets 402 along well path
202 that reflect the optimal path for well path 202. As would be
understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure, there are a variety of methodologies by
which to determine an optimal well path. Thus, during operations,
the drilling assembly traveling along well path 202 will be
geosteered to hit targets 402, thus assuring the optimal well path
is achieved.
[0035] Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the scales displayed
on rug plot 208 and curtain plot 204 are different. As will be
understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure, different zoom magnifications may be
necessary to highlight and edit certain geological features of rug
plot 208 and curtain plot 204. As such, the scales may be different
vertically to horizontally depending on the channel sand
geometries. Although the measured depth for each is plotted along
the x-axis of the plots, rug plot 208 has modeled channel 203 along
a y-axis reflecting left to right movements of the section line,
reflecting a horizontal scale that is 20 meters across, while
curtain plot 204 has been plotted along y-axis reflecting a TVD
range.
[0036] In addition, this exemplary embodiment of the present
invention displays the distance to bed boundaries ("DTBB") 404
along curtain plot 204 and rug plot 208. Here, rug plot
visualization application 110 has modeled the edge boundaries of
channel 203 based upon the well related data received from database
module 112 and multi-well module 114. The geology and DTBB 404 may
also be updated and displayed in the plots in real-time based upon
petrophysical tools/sensors positioned along the drilling assembly
traveling well path 202. In one embodiment, DTBBs 404 are
calculated behind the bit where the resistivity sensor is
positioned. By editing relevant formation bed surfaces to match the
DTBB locations, trends of the DTBB results behind the bit may be
used to predict ahead of the bit. Exemplary sensors may include
seismic, electromagnetic, or similar sensors that detect
characteristic data of the formation and the position of the
drilling assembly. Various other petrophysical tools/sensors may be
utilized to provide such real-time feedback, as would be understood
by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure. As will be described below, DTBB 404 is calculated
based upon the real-time data received from the drill string as it
travels along well path 202. Nevertheless, as the drilling assembly
continues to move along well path 202, the DTBB 404 is calculated
and displayed. Therefore, well path 202 may be geosteered
accordingly to maintain the optimal well path along targets 402 in
order to drain the maximum volume of reserves.
[0037] Further referring to FIG. 4, display 108 also includes a
variety of real-time data related to downhole conditions and
geologic characteristics. In certain exemplary embodiments, rug
plot visualization application 110 may also retrieve and process
real-time data acquired by various petrophysical tools/sensors
within the downhole assembly. Such data may include, for example,
offset psuedolog data, offset reference log and modeled data.
Exemplary offset pseudolog data may include the pseudologs created
from similar log data from multiple offset wells using a
co-locating co-kriging algorithm, be plotted along the measured
depth of the well path, and can be used to correlate against the
realtime data. Exemplary offset reference log data may be the same
as the offset pseudolog data; however, it may be plotted vertically
at a set measured depth of the well path, which can be changed by
simply moving the cursor along well path 202 in display windows of
curtain plot 204 or rug plot 208. The modeled data may use the
pseudolog data and geological surfaces from curtain plot 204 as
input and forward-model a predicted curve or image according to the
sensor properties chosen. Such real-time data may be displayed as
single value curves or azimuthal images, for example. Those
ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure
realize this, and a variety of other data, may be integrated within
the present invention.
[0038] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the geological boundaries surrounding a channel 506 may be edited
and updated in real-time. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, display 500
is shown including a rug plot in original/edit mode (FIG. 5A) and
updated mode (FIG. 5B). In FIG. 5A, the rug plot has been modeled
by rug plot visualization application 110, which also determined
the locations of geological boundaries 508 based upon the
geological data and, thus, a DTBB 502 is plotted (after being
calculated using, for example, primarily electromagnetic data from
a drillstring petrophysical sensor) to the left and right of where
well path 510 is located. Using Azimuthal resistivity data
(received from a resistivity tool on the drill string), exemplary
embodiments of the present invention invert for bed position around
the borehole. The inversion is independent of the geological
surface locations and provides a measure of quality control on the
interpretation. In channel sands, such as channel 504, it is
possible to be closer to the left or right boundary of the sand
rather than the top or bottom and, hence, the result can be used to
define the boundary location, as would be readily understood by
those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0039] Still referring to FIG. 5A, as the drill string moved along
well path 510 and transmitted real-time data related to the
reservoir back to rug plot visualization application 110, DTBBs 502
at the lower end of the rug plot were determined to be in the right
position and the geological model at this point needs to be
adjusted accordingly. Thus, this exemplary embodiment of the
present invention allows editing of the geological boundaries 508
to the left or right through utilization of a click and drag or
other suitable function. As shown in FIG. 5B, the location of the
geological boundaries 508 have been moved to reflect the true
position of the DTBBs 502. Also, an "X" may be displayed adjacent
the geological boundary 508 to allow further editing or deletion of
the edited position of geological boundary 508 if desired. The
edits are made in real-time and, thereafter, rug plot visualization
application 110 recalculates the geological boundary 508
accordingly. Although not shown here, the same editing
functionality may also be provided for in conjunction with the
curtain plot, as would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0040] As described herein, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide several options for azimuthal visualization of
the rug plot. In a first embodiment, the rug plot may be displayed
alongside the curtain plot, thus allowing the geology to be viewed
in 3D. Here, the rug plot orientation reflects a virtual horizontal
slice of the geology along the well path as the well turns up and
down, while the curtain plot reflects the virtual vertical slice of
the geology along the well path following the left and right
trajectory of the well. In a second embodiment, alternative plots
of the rug plot could be modeled along specific TVD horizons. In a
third exemplary embodiment, alternative plots of the rug plot could
also be modeled along proportional horizons between structure model
grid surfaces. Moreover, the center line for the display may be
along the closure line or a specified azimuth line pinned to the
projected bit.
[0041] Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are
useful in geosteering applications. In embodiments where the
determined well path is deviated and follows the apparent dip, an
objective of the rug plot would be to capture the geology along the
apparent dip by modeling the corresponding TVD slice as described
herein. Other embodiments of the present invention are also useful
in highly dipping formations where it is necessary to remain within
a horizontal left-right zone. Moreover, the present invention is
also useful for steering within channels. These and other
advantages will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary methodology 600 of the
present invention utilized in a geosteering application will now be
described. At block 602, rug plot visualization system 100 is
initialized. At block 604, rug plot visualization application 110
initializes multi-well module 114. At block 606, rug plot
visualization application 110 detects the input data desired to be
analyzed such as, for example, data relating to offset wells,
surfaces, faults, log data and well trajectories. At block 610, rug
plot visualization application 110 performs a quality check of the
data to ensure the data is correct (for example, to ensure surfaces
are located at the correct formation top location along each offset
well, to ensure the log data is a true representation of the
geology and not a physical artifact from the acquiring sensor,
etc.). At is block 610, rug plot visualization application 110
allows a user to interpret the field by, for example, creating
additional surfaces to define formation tops of interest, and rug
plot visualization application 110 detects such entry accordingly.
Then, at block 612, rug plot visualization application 110 updates
the structural model of the formation and well path, which is then
fed back into rug plot visualization system 100 for further
operations.
[0043] While the forgoing operations are being performed by rug
plot visualization system 100, at block 614, the 3D engine of rug
plot visualization application 110 is initialized. At block 616,
rug plot visualization application 110 may incorporate a pre-well
geo-engineering study into the analysis. At block 618, rug plot
visualization application 110 performs are variety of functions. At
block 618(a) and (b), rug plot visualization application 110
enables analysis of real-time jobs A and B, respectively, in the
same field (as the wells are being geosteered) to model and/or
update the geosteered well path. In this embodiment, the data
received from the job is real-time. At block 618(c), rug plot
visualization application 110 enables performance of a post well
analysis using historical data to document the actual well
placement relative to the formation boundaries which may be
different from the original interpretation. The analysis of block
618 may be performed manually or by rug plot visualization system
100, as will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0044] Thereafter, at block 620, rug plot visualization application
110 enables users to correlate the offset well data to the
real-time data received from the drilling assembly along the well
path being geo-steered in order to determine if adjustments are
necessary. In an alternative embodiment, rug plot visualization
application 110 itself conducts the correlation of block 620. If it
is determined that adjustments are necessary, the well path targets
402 (FIG. 4) are adjusted as necessary to remain within the optimal
geological position. At block 622, rug plot visualization
application 110 models the forward resistivity and geosignal data
within the edited geological model to directly compare to the
resistivity and geosignal data received from the drilling assembly
which includes data related to real-time geologic characteristics
of the formation. At block 624, rug plot visualization application
110 calculates the DTBB(s) 502 (FIG. 5) and displays then within
the rug and curtain plots as previously described.
[0045] At block 624, a user may determine if there is a good
correlation between the is calculated DTBB(s) 502 and the actual
boundaries 508 as previously described. However, in an alternative
embodiment, this determination may be made by rug plot
visualization application 110 itself. If the user or rug plot
visualization application 110 determines the correlation is good,
the algorithm advances on to block 612 where the edited targets to
define the well path and the edited geological boundaries are
updated to the database, and the process continues as shown in FIG.
6. If, however, the user or rug plot visualization application 110
determines the correlation is not good, the user or rug plot
visualization application 110 may move actual boundaries 508 to
match those of calculated DTBB(s) 502 at block 620. In addition, as
previously described, rug plot visualization application 110 allows
correlation of the actual real-time well data to the offset data at
block 620. Accordingly, since rug plot 208 and curtain plot 204
remain updated in real-time, the drilling assembly may be
geo-steered to remain in the optimal position within the
geology.
[0046] The foregoing methods and systems described herein are
particularly useful in planning, altering and/or drilling
wellbores. As described, the system provides a horizontal and
vertical visualization along a desired TVD slice using a well path,
for example. As such, a true 3D model is provided that is used to
geo-steer a downhole assembly. Moreover, the 3D model may be
updated in real-time based on actual downhole data and data
received from offset wells. Accordingly, based on the 3D model, a
wellbore may be planned, drilled/geo-steered in real-time and/or a
well path may be altered.
[0047] In addition to drilling applications, the present invention
in also applicable to other applications which benefit from 3D
visualization of data acquired around the well bore such as, for
example, stimulation operations.
[0048] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,
while exemplary embodiments and methodologies of the present
invention have been described statically as part of implementation
of a well placement plan, the methods may also be implemented
dynamically. Thus, a well placement plan may be modeled and the
data utilized as a geosteering tool to update the well plan for the
drilling of wellbores. After implementing the well placement plan,
the system of the invention may be utilized during the completion
process on the fly or iteratively to determine optimal well
trajectories, fracture initiation points and/or stimulation design
as wellbore parameters change or are clarified or adjusted. In
either case, the results of the dynamic calculations may be
utilized to alter a previously implemented well placement or
stimulation plan.
[0049] An exemplary methodology of the present invention provides a
method to geosteer a downhole assembly, the method comprising
analyzing data related to a geological formation, generating a
geological model based upon the data related to the geological
formation, generating a first plot which reflects a left and right
orientation along a True Vertical Depth ("TVD") slice within the
geological model and geosteering the downhole assembly using the
first plot. Another method further comprises generating a second
plot which reflects an up and down orientation along the TVD slice
within the geological model and geosteering the downhole assembly
using the first and second plots. Yet another method further
comprises updating the geological model in real-time based upon at
least one of data received from the downhole assembly during a
downhole operation or data received from one or more offset wells.
Another method further comprises updating a distance to bed
boundary based upon data received from the downhole assembly during
a downhole operation.
[0050] Another method further comprises determining an optimal well
path along the left and right orientation of the TVD slice based
upon real-time data received from the downhole assembly. In
another, generating the first plot further comprises utilizing a
well path as the TVD slice within the geological model. In yet
another, geosteering the downhole assembly comprises geosteering a
drilling assembly. Another method further comprises utilizing a
variable TVD slice as the TVD slice.
[0051] Yet another exemplary methodology of the present invention
provides a method to geosteer a downhole assembly, the method
comprising modeling a rug plot that reflects a left and right
orientation along a True Vertical Depth ("TVD") slice and
geosteering the downhole assembly using the rug plot. In another,
modeling the rug plot further comprises modeling a curtain plot
that reflects an up and down orientation along the TVD slice,
wherein the downhole assembly is geosteered using the rug and
curtain plots. Yet another further comprises updating the rug plot
in real-time based upon at least one of data received from the
downhole assembly or data received from one or more offset wells.
Another method further comprises updating a distance to bed
boundary based upon data received from the downhole assembly during
a downhole operation. Yet another further comprises utilizing a
variable TVD slice as the TVD slice. In another, generating the rug
plot further comprises utilizing a well path as the TVD slice
within the geological model. In yet another, geosteering the
downhole assembly comprises geosteering a drilling assembly.
[0052] Furthermore, the exemplary methodologies described herein
may be implemented by a system comprising processing circuitry or a
computer program product comprising instructions which, when
executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform
any of the methodology described herein.
[0053] Although various embodiments and methodologies have been
shown and described, the invention is not limited to such
embodiments and methodologies and will be understood to include all
modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in
the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is
not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *